Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textCrossing the threshold into better hearing often feels overwhelming for patients who've postponed treatment for years. What makes the difference between hesitation and confident decision-making? The answer lies in experiencing transformation firsthand through expertly conducted in-office hearing aid demonstrations.This episode dives deep into why these demonstrations represent a crucial moment in the patient journey. When a patient has waited 7-10 years to address their hearing loss, simply reviewing an audiogram and quoting prices falls woefully short of what they deserve. By contrast, a thoughtfully orchestrated demonstration allows patients to hear with unprecedented clarity in challenging environments like restaurants, creating powerful "wow moments" that validate their decision to seek help.The most effective demonstrations go beyond the technical aspects of hearing technology. They involve familiar voices, realistic background noise, and careful observation of how patients react when communication barriers suddenly diminish. We explore how these demonstrations serve multiple purposes simultaneously, educating patients about their hearing loss, showcasing technology benefits, assessing physical capabilities for device selection, and building unshakable trust in the provider's recommendations.For hearing healthcare professionals, this episode offers practical guidance on creating meaningful demonstration experiences that lead to better patient outcomes and satisfaction. For those beginning their hearing journey, it provides valuable insight into what to expect and demand from quality providers. No matter where you are in understanding hearing health, you'll gain perspective on how transformative moments in a clinical setting can change lives.Ready to experience or deliver hearing healthcare that prioritizes education and empowerment over transactions? Listen now and discover why seeing is believing when it comes to better hearing.Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textWhen Lindsay Dain first had a student with hearing aids in her kindergarten classroom, she understood the basics of her FM system but admits she "didn't really understand the value." This honest reflection captures the essence of why Lindsay's work matters so deeply today; there's a critical gap between having hearing technology and truly understanding its importance in a child's life.Lindsay's journey from mainstream educator to deaf education specialist to children's book author illuminates how powerful representation can be in the hearing healthcare space. Her book "I'm Getting a Cochlear Implant" breaks down complex audiological concepts into accessible language, serving both children who want to see themselves represented and parents navigating unfamiliar medical terminology.The conversation takes a particularly moving turn when Lindsay shares how a foster mother approached her to say the book had helped her decide to pursue cochlear implants for her child. "You are the person that I wrote this book for," Lindsay reflects, her voice revealing how meaningful this feedback was to her creative mission.Beyond the book itself, Lindsay offers valuable insights about advocacy in education, revealing how IEPs now frequently include self-advocacy goals for deaf and hard of hearing students. These skills, teaching children to explain their needs and educate others about their hearing technology, are life-changing foundations that extend far beyond the classroom.Perhaps most compelling is Lindsay's personal transformation. When voice problems threatened her teaching career, she faced an identity crisis that ultimately led her to pursue writing. "It has helped me remove the ceiling of what I think I can or can't do," she shares, a powerful message for anyone hesitating to follow their creative calling.Whether you're a hearing healthcare professional seeking resources for families, an educator working with deaf or hard of hearing students, or someone personally affected by hearing loss, this conversation reminds us that advocacy begins with accessible information and that representation truly matters. Check out Lindsay's book and share it with someone who might need to see themselves or their child in its pages.Here is the Titze straw phonation video. Below, please find the ISBN numbers for "I'm Getting a Cochlear Implant" ISBN for libraries: 979-8-9885896-1-7 (Hard Cover)Paperback: 979-8-9885896-0-0 eBook:979-8-9885896-2-4 Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textTinnitus affects millions, yet remains shrouded in misunderstanding, misinformation, and damaging myths. In this illuminating conversation, audiologist Dr. Alexandra Tarvin of Elevate Audiology brings clarity, hope, and cutting-edge solutions to one of hearing healthcare's most challenging conditions."There is hope and there is help," Dr. Tarvin reassures listeners as she guides us through the reality of tinnitus management today. Drawing from her extensive experience as a tinnitus specialist, she expertly distinguishes between subjective tinnitus (the perception of sound that doesn't exist externally) and transient ear noise (those brief, harmless episodes of ringing many people occasionally experience). This distinction alone provides immediate relief for many who fear their temporary experiences signal something serious.The heart of effective tinnitus care, Dr. Tarvin explains, lies in truly listening to patients and implementing personalized strategies. Far from the dismissive "just live with it" approach many patients have encountered, modern management embraces a holistic perspective that considers each person's unique needs. From various sound therapy options to innovative treatments like Lenire (the first FDA-approved tinnitus treatment), patients now have more evidence-based options than ever before.Perhaps most exciting is Twillo, a tinnitus management app Dr. Tarvin developed with her husband, a mental health counselor. This digital companion combines audiological expertise with mental health techniques, providing support between appointments and making tinnitus care more accessible. "If I could clone myself, if I could clone my husband... we would not need this app," Dr. Tarvin jokes, highlighting how technology can extend specialized care to more people.Throughout our conversation, Dr. Tarvin methodically dismantles harmful myths – no, tinnitus doesn't cause dementia; no, caffeine isn't universally problematic for tinnitus sufferers – while sharing touching success stories of patients who've found relief through proper care. Whether you're suffering from tinnitus yourself, care for someone who is, or are a healthcare provider seeking to better serve your patients, this episode delivers invaluable insights and renewed hope.  Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textDr. Larry Humes discusses the critical difference between hearing wellness (pure tone audiometric results) and the broader concept of auditory wellness which encompasses psychosocial health and speech comprehension abilities. This distinction explains why millions of Americans with normal audiograms still struggle with listening difficulties in everyday situations.In this episode you'll learn: • Hearing wellness refers specifically to pure tone thresholds while auditory wellness includes comprehension and psychosocial factors• 26 million Americans have normal hearing thresholds but experience significant listening difficulties• Current audiometric categories (0-25dB as normal) may miss significant hearing difficulties that impact daily function• Over-the-counter hearing aids address access and affordability but often lack the necessary support infrastructure• The prevalence of hearing loss in children (15%) has remained stable despite concerns about earbuds and screen time• Empowering individuals to manage their own auditory wellness requires better education and support toolsConnect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textDr. Douglas Beck hosts a special episode featuring audiology pioneers Dr. David Majit and Dr. Gary Dorf, whose combined experience spans nearly a century in hearing healthcare. Unlike typical clinical discussions, this conversation reveals the personal journeys of two professionals who helped transform audiology during its formative years.Their stories weave through pivotal industry moments – from building successful California practices to lecturing in Japan where they introduced binaural fitting techniques to practitioners accustomed to monaural solutions. The conversation takes entertaining detours, including Dr. Dorff's memorable dinner seated next to Mick Jagger and their experience with "The Bubble," a non-electronic device that briefly revolutionized mild hearing loss treatment.What emerges beyond the professional milestones is their genuine passion for audiology. As Dr. Dorff reflects after nearly 50 years: "I never felt it was work. I enjoyed every bit of audiology I touched." Both emphasize how the profession continues offering rich opportunities for those seeking to combine technological innovation with meaningful human connection. Their journey illuminates how far audiology has come and why it remains an exceptionally rewarding career for those committed to improving lives through better hearing. Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textAchieving a hearing aid return rate below 1% isn't accidental—it's the result of thoughtful systems and genuine patient care. Drawing from years of successful private practice experience, this episode unpacks strategies that transform patient outcomes while strengthening your practice's financial health.Financial barriers represent a significant obstacle for many potential hearing aid users. By implementing flexible financing options tailored to patient needs, you remove a major reason for hearing aid returns while expanding access to hearing technology. But addressing affordability is just the beginning...the consultation process itself determines much of your success. Through motivational interviewing techniques that replace closed-ended clinical questions with deeper explorations of patient goals, you create the foundation for successful fittings.The patient experience extends far beyond the initial fitting. We explore how comprehensive onboarding systems—complete with educational materials, structured follow-up schedules, and even customized resources like podcast episodes that address common questions—transform the hearing care journey from a transaction into a relationship. When patients feel part of a supportive program rather than simply purchasing a product, they become invested in their success and less likely to return their technology.Audiological best practices aren't just clinically responsible; they directly impact satisfaction rates by ensuring optimal performance. By setting realistic expectations about adaptation periods and guiding patients through what to expect, you establish appropriate benchmarks for success. Perhaps most importantly, recommending appropriate technology based on comprehensive assessment—not assumptions about what patients will spend—ensures they receive maximum benefit from their investment.Ready to transform your practice's approach to patient care and reduce your return rate? These strategies will not only improve your performance metrics but fulfill our deeper mission: ensuring more people with hearing loss receive the treatment they need to live fuller, more connected lives. Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textWhen communication becomes challenging, how do we maintain the deep, meaningful connections that make life worth living? This provocative question lies at the heart of our conversation with Gael Hannan, writer, advocate, and bimodal hearing device user who brings remarkable insight into the intersection of hearing loss and intimate relationships. Gail's perspective that "connection with others is as vital as air, water, food—and wine =) sets the tone for an exploration that goes far beyond technological solutions. She introduces us to the concept of "purpose-driven communication"—the deliberate structuring of interactions that allows for meaningful exchange despite hearing challenges. From morning routines with her husband to navigating arguments and emotional moments, Gael reveals the extra layer of consciousness required when hearing loss affects relationships.What makes this discussion particularly valuable is its practical wisdom. Gael offers strategies for maintaining presence, creating structured opportunities for communication, and shifting focus from "hearing" to "communicating." She emphasizes that hearing aids work better when complemented by behavioral changes and attitude shifts, encouraging both those with hearing loss and their communication partners to develop deeper understanding. Whether you're a hearing care professional seeking to better serve your patients, someone navigating relationships with hearing loss, or a communication partner trying to bridge the gap, this conversation offers profound guidance for moving beyond technological fixes to human solutions. Because at the end of the day, as Gael reminds us, "It's not just about hearing—it's about being heard." Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textBridget Dobyan, Executive Director of the Hearing Industries Association (HIA), joins us to share her remarkable journey from childhood hearing loss to becoming a powerful advocate for hearing health policy. Diagnosed with cholesteatoma at age 8, she experienced sudden hearing loss at 11 when the condition severely damaged the bones in her middle ear. But rather than letting this define her limitations, Bridget used it as a foundation for understanding the issues she'd later address as a leader in hearing healthcare policy.We explore the fascinating differences between traditional hearing aids, cochlear implants, and bone-anchored devices, while dispelling outdated perceptions about hearing technology. Today's hearing devices are sleek, sophisticated, and Bluetooth-enabled—a far cry from the "beige bananas" many still picture. Yet despite technological advances, hearing health remains severely undertreated, with millions of Americans neglecting annual hearing evaluations.The conversation shifts to HIA's groundbreaking "Hear Well" campaign, which has generated over $23 million in earned media through positive, stigma-busting messaging. For Better Hearing Month this May, they're launching "Happy Dance 2.0," offering hearing professionals free, downloadable assets to spark vital conversations about hearing health.Whether you're a hearing care professional looking for practice resources, someone experiencing hearing difficulties, or simply interested in protecting your hearing health, this episode offers valuable insights into how addressing hearing loss connects directly to overall wellbeing, professional success, and quality of life. Visit hearing.org today to access free campaign resources and join the movement to make hearing health a priority. Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textThe connection between hearing loss and cognitive decline represents one of the most crucial health discoveries of our time—yet it remains surprisingly under-discussed in mainstream wellness conversations. Madison Levine, BC-HIS, founder of Levine Hearing and second-generation hearing care professional, joins us to explain why this matters and how hearing professionals are changing their approach to patient education.A groundbreaking study published in JAMA Otolaryngology found that 32% of dementia cases could be attributed to audiometric hearing loss, highlighting the urgent need for greater awareness. While many pursue various health interventions to extend their "healthspan," few recognize hearing treatment as a major modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline. Madison shares how education-based outreach has proven more effective than traditional marketing in bringing patients through the door, focusing on providing valuable information without immediately asking for anything in return.The conversation explores innovative approaches to patient education, including the implementation of cognitive screening tools like Cognivue that allow practitioners to track cognitive improvements in patients who pursue hearing treatment. Madison emphasizes the importance of targeting education not just at those with hearing loss, but at family members who often notice the signs first—like missing punchlines or asking "what" too frequently.Looking forward, Madison reveals her upcoming TEDx talk on "The Ear-Brain Connection" and her vision for a nationwide campaign uniting hearing professionals around consistent messaging. By shifting the conversation from hearing devices to brain health and approaching patients with genuine education rather than sales tactics, hearing healthcare can finally take its rightful place in preventative health discussions. Whether you're experiencing hearing difficulties or concerned about a loved one, this episode offers valuable insights into protecting cognitive health through better hearing care. Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast

Send us a textWhat's the difference between following ethical codes and living ethical principles? In this thought-provoking conversation, Dr. Douglas Beck sits down with Dr. Michael Page, lead ethicist and author, to explore the complex ethical terrain healthcare professionals navigate daily.Dr. Page draws a crucial distinction that transforms how we approach ethics: "If we live the principles of ethics, the codes of ethics just automatically fall underneath that." Rather than seeking the outer boundaries of permissible behavior, principled practitioners focus on making decisions that uphold trust and serve patients' best interests.Through personal stories and practical examples, the conversation illuminates ethical gray areas we all face. When should you accept industry incentives? How do you maintain professional boundaries with patients? What happens when your role blurs between clinician and sales representative? These questions have no simple answers, but Dr. Page offers a thoughtful framework: consider whether actions are illegal, unethical according to codes, or simply immoral according to your principles.The discussion delves into regulations like the Stark Law, Anti-Kickback Statute, and Physician Payment Sunshine Act, revealing how transparency shapes ethical practice. As healthcare becomes increasingly commercialized, understanding these guidelines becomes essential for maintaining professional integrity.Perhaps most powerful is Dr. Page's assertion that "if we're not being honest with ourselves, there's no possibility of ethical practice with anyone else." This reminder that ethical practice begins within ourselves provides a compass for navigating the increasingly complex relationships between practitioners, patients, and industry partners.Ready to deepen your understanding of professional ethics? Listen now to gain insights that will strengthen your practice and your relationships with those you serve. Connect with the Hearing Matters Podcast TeamEmail: hearingmatterspodcast@gmail.com Instagram: @hearing_matters_podcast Twitter: @hearing_mattasFacebook: Hearing Matters Podcast